Saturday, May 10, 1997

A mom's philosophy: Have faith in God

By JAN WOODWARD / Abilene Reporter-News

A special jewel can be found inside the First Baptist Church's Family Life Center.

Jewell Culberson Harness manages the First Place Cafe. She is also a full-time mom with four sons.

Harness moved from Knox City to Abilene nine years ago with her sons ranging in age from 3 to 9 years. The family had little except each other and a mother's determination to give her children the best she and the Lord could provide.

Since that time she has been employed as a nurse's aid, receptionist, sales clerk and head cook. Always looking for better pay and better hours so she could be with her boys, Harness understood what it would take to give her boys the Christian nurturing they would need.

Harness' philosophy in child-rearing is simple and powerful: have faith in God.

She has trusted Him to provide every need from gas for the car to money for shoes for her growing boys, she said.

Harness is sure that the Lord sent people into her life at strategic moments. She said she knows that He has been the source of her strength to keep going when her weariness was overwhelming. She believes that the Lord gave her the courage to do what she thought was best for her family on every occasion.

Harness believes in a God-first, tough-love discipline.

"We're really big on teaching kids to 'Just say no,' but I think that parents have to learn to say 'no' first. Too many parents act like they're scared of their children, and they rob the children of the confidence that a consistent, loving parent can give," said Harness.

She scans all the movies and television programs the boys want to see and is aware of their choices in music and friends. "I'm tough, but they know it's spelled with a capital Love."

Harness's sons have rewarded her toughness.

This month, Harness' oldest son will graduate from Abilene High School. Kandon Culberson, 18, played bass in the AHS orchestra and was in the ROTC all four years. He's been signed to play football at Abilene Christian University, and wants to study to be a coach and kindergarten teacher.

Jerry Culberson, 16, will finish his sophomore year at AHS. He's been on the football and basketball teams and the orchestra.

Anwar Culberson, 14, has participated in football, basketball and track at Mann Middle School. He has played in the band for three years and has twice been chosen to the All City Orchestra.

Corey Culberson, 12, attends Mann Middle School and enjoys sports and art.

Her advice to each child has been to "step out and be yourself." Each boy knows he can come to mom for advice and if the two of them can't come up with the answer, they'll prayerfully take the matter to the Lord.

Harness and her boys faithfully attend the Redeeming Love Church.

Harness is a single parent and has three step-daughters though the girls are not living with her.

This Jewell knew how to energize her boys to hold to a higher standard and her sons have been a blessing to her. Being there for her children was the greatest gift she could give them.